Fire Damages Popular Ava Restaurant; New Owners Wil Reopen

A
fire rips through a family-owned restaurant in the town of Ava, Mo.,
leaving the Ozarks one less of tasty, home-cooked meals, just a week
after the new owners took over the place.

Dustin
and Katie Isaacs bought Archie’s Family Restaurant on March 25
after dreaming for years of owning and working a restaurant of their
own. The couple said it was close to their home, which would allow
them to include the family and work together to run.

In
that first week of owning the restaurant, Katie said she saw its
loyal customer base for herself. She said people would come in and
sit at tables to drink their coffee for hours.

Archie’s
wasn’t just a place to come eat and hang out; it also served its
community.

According
to Dustin, the restaurant would have a Friday night special and
benefit nights – where people would wait in the parking lot to get
in.

Katie
said she received a call on April 1, telling her the restaurant was
on fire. At first, she thought it was a prank, being April Fool’s
Day. However, the couple drove out to the restaurant to find it on
fire.

She
said smoke could be seen from every crack in the building.

Ava
firefighters were able to save the building itself without knocking
any holes into it. According to the State Fire Marshall’s Office,
the fire began in the kitchen’s light fixtures area.

The
restaurant had 11 employees; one of which has already been hired at
another town restaurant.

Dustin
and Katie begin the cleanup process, but the community is there to
support them. The couple said many people in the community have asked
how they can help the couple rebuild.

And,
rebuild and reopen, they shall. The couple said they want to do that
as quickly as they can.

Dustin
said people are anxious to see what the restaurant will look like
now. He anticipates Archie’s will be even busier after it reopens.